MEPs endorse net zero climate target for 2050

A 2050 net zero greenhouse gas emissions objective for the EU and a higher 2030 emissions reductions target have been endorsed by the European Parliament. This is a clear signal to EU heads of state of the support for a Europe which upholds its Paris Agreement commitments as they consider the EU’s long-term climate strategy next week.

Imke Lübbeke, Head of Climate and Energy at WWF European Policy Office said:

“With people turning out in record numbers for the climate, MEPs have shown they take citizens’ concerns seriously, and want to step up climate action. Their support for net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by 2050 latest, and higher cuts by 2030, is an encouraging sign to EU Member States, who are currently considering the EU’s long-term climate plans and preparing their national climate and energy plans.”

MEPs were voting on the EU’s draft long-term climate strategy. WWF supports a 65% emissions reduction target for 2030 and net zero emissions by 2040 to be in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature limit.

MEPs:

Endorsed net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 and urged Member States to do the same, and regretted that no net-zero GHG pathways before 2050 were modelled

Committed to fully supporting young people in this fight

Supported a Just Transition Fund

Called on the Commission and the Member States to support a strong medium-term target for 2030, as current ambition is insufficient

Supported the EU reviewing and updating its contribution to the Paris Agreement (NDC) to 55% economy-wide, domestic emissions reductions, compared to 1990 levels;

Wanted the Commission to present legislative proposals raising the ambition level in line with the updated NDC and the net-zero emissions target by 2022-2024 latest;

Called on the Commission to present a new and integrated EU industrial climate strategy for energy intensive industries in support of a competitive net-zero emission heavy industry transition